Rep. John Lewis Gets an A for Veterans Votes

    “IAVA Action’s 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of IAVA.  “From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America’s newest generation of heroes.  Over the last two years, Congressman Lewis has demonstrated that he is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.  IAVA Action is proud to give Congressman Lewis an ‘A’ and would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues.”

    The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) graded members of the 110th Congress on thirteen key votes and co-sponsorship of H.R. 5740, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. 

    “There is no one,” said Rep. John Lewis, “who has paid a higher price for the policies of the last administration than our young men and women in uniform.  Too many of them have sacrificed all they have to defend the interests of this country.  We owe these young men and women our best, regardless of the challenges we face as a nation, and I believe this nation must honor their commitment and dedication with as much support as we can offer. 

    “That is why I am proud to support the veterans of America with my vote for programs and policies that I believe will assist them.  I also believe that the absolutely best way we can serve these sons and daughters of America is to find an expeditious and effective way to end these wars and bring our young men and women home.  We must rediscover the skillful use of diplomacy to resolve our international conflicts and begin the process of healing that must follow  to restore Iraq and Afghanistan to the community of nations.”

In the 110th Congress, House Democrats passed landmark legislation for veterans including $16.3 billion in additional funding for veterans healthcare services, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to cover the cost of attending a public university, and improvements to the VA home loan program that protects veterans who have recently returned from combat from falling into foreclosure and allows more veterans to refinance their existing high-risk mortgages with VA home loans.  For more information on the IAVA’s 2008 Congressional Report Card, visit their website at www.iava.org .
 

CONTACT:

Brenda Jones
(202) 226 - 4673